Amongst all the moves the Bucks have made this offseason, re-signing Pete Nance can be easily forgotten. The big man can definitely play a part on this year's team and moving forward, but new head coach Taylor Jenkins cannot allow him to be lost in the roster shuffle.
Pete Nance still has a part to play for the Bucks
Milwaukee is no stranger to finding undrafted players and turning them into gems by offering opportunities. Nance bounced around the league for a couple of years, but a stellar 2025-26 season saw him converted from a two-way player to a multi-year standard deal. This did lead to him being waived in July before his deal became fully guaranteed. However, days later, they brought him back on a two-year, $5.2 million deal that isn't fully guaranteed but has a team option for the 27-28 season.
Last season, he averaged 5.4 points and 2.7 rebounds while shooting 42 percent from 3-point range across 47 games with the Bucks. Alongside new center Ke'lel Ware, there are two very good stretch bigs now in the frontcourt that could be a nice pairing.
Nance only averaged 15.7 minutes per game last season, and that may not change too much with the influx of young talent brought in, but those minutes should not disappear either. His versatility just adds to the options Jenkins can go with. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis both being traded opens up a lot of minutes at the four spot, something Nance may benefit from.
Where Pete Nance fits into the rotation right now
Right now, Ware and Jericho Sims look set as the backup fives. Nance will be competing with Ousmane Dieng, who can play the four, and Bogoljub Markovic. That sets the Bucks up nicely to have quality depth, something they haven't had for a long time.
The roster is still at 17 standard contracts, with 15 being the maximum, so moves still need to be made. Milwaukee's decision to bring back Nance (albeit on a non-guaranteed deal) shows they do have faith in him and rewarded him for what was a positive season on a dismal Bucks team.
The need for moves could mean veterans are on the trade market to clear room. Myles Turner's first year in Wisconsin didn't go well, but his skill set is something teams absolutely will be looking for. Kyle Kuzma is the other veteran who could be on the move, especially with his contract expiring. If either of those players gets traded, then that bumps Nance up the depth chart even more.
It is an exciting time for the Bucks. A blank slate with a new head coach and plenty of new, young talent is desirable. That doesn't mean Pete Nance should be forgotten; he has earned another shot with the Bucks, which he will hopefully get this season.
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